Pavel Durov’s Arrest Sparks Controversy Over Telegram in India

On 24 August 2024, Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of the messaging application Telegram, was taken into custody in Paris. His arrest is connected to allegations that the platform has been used for illegal activities, including drug trafficking and the distribution of child sexual abuse images.

In light of these developments, Telegram has come under significant scrutiny in India for its suspected involvement in various criminal operations. This ongoing investigation has led to public discourse surrounding the potential ban of the app in the country.

Amidst this tension, a screenshot claiming to show a tweet from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has circulated on social media. The tweet allegedly denounces reports of a Telegram ban in India and reassures users that Telegram will not face a prohibition.

Upon investigation, however, it has been established that this tweet is not genuine. Authorities confirm through a Twitter analytics tool that Prime Minister Modi has not posted any tweet related to the purported assurance about Telegram.

Further scrutiny reveals discrepancies in the viral screenshot. For instance, the time notation in the tweet lacks ‘AM’ or ‘PM,’ raising suspicions of digital manipulation. Additionally, records indicate that Prime Minister Modi made only six tweets on 26 and 27 August 2024, with none aligning with the content of the viral message.

Media reports have also failed to mention any such statements from the Prime Minister concerning Telegram, further suggesting that the screenshot is a fabrication. Official channels, including the Press Information Bureau (PIB), have not released any statements regarding a Telegram ban or Modi’s stance on the issue.